At the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), we recognize the urgent need for improved sickle cell disease (SCD) care and awareness within our community. This is why we have partnered with the Heartland Southwest Sickle Cell Disease Network and other key stakeholders across Missouri to launch the Community Sickle Cell Initiative.
Our Mission
Our mission is to establish comprehensive and cohesive strategies for SCD awareness, education, and care delivery across Missouri. We aim to meet the needs of those living with SCD, reduce disparities, and ultimately improve the wellbeing of the most vulnerable populations.
The Challenge
SCD is a major public health concern in Missouri. The average life expectancy for individuals with SCD is significantly lower than both the U.S. general and African American populations. This disparity is due to a combination of factors:
- Insufficient knowledgeable providers to adequately care for youth and adults with SCD
- Increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions
- Decreased quality of life
- Lack of community awareness about SCD and sickle cell trait (SCT)
- Inadequate follow-up for families for whom SCT is identified through newborn screening
As a group, people with SCD experience worse health outcomes compared to other diseases and have access to fewer health resources. This lack of equity is a health disparity that we are committed to addressing.
Our Strategy
We are working diligently to implement a statewide Sickle Cell Action Plan. This plan includes a series of goals and activities aimed at:
- Increasing awareness and education about SCD and SCT
- Improving access to knowledgeable healthcare providers
- Enhancing follow-up care for families identified with SCT through newborn screening
- Reducing the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions
Join Us
As a key partner in this statewide collaborative, IHN is committed to advancing health equity and improving wellbeing for those affected by SCD. We invite you to join us in our efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with SCD in Missouri.